What return of Darrin Kirkland, possible move to 3-4 may mean for Tennessee Vols linebackers

Tennessee linebacker Daniel Bituli (35) reacts to a play during a game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

This is Part IV of a series examining the outlook for Tennessee at each position in advance of spring practice, which begins March 20. Today, we preview linebackers.

Tennessee’s linebacker position took a hit before the 2017 season started when Darrin Kirkland Jr. was lost for the year due to a torn meniscus in his knee. Getting him back seems like the equivalent of a landing a quality transfer.

Injuries have hampered Kirkland’s career. A high ankle sprain limited him to eight games in 2016. He showed his talent in 2015, when he was an SEC all-freshman selection.

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Tennessee Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt addresses the media during SEC football media day at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga on Wednesday, July 18, 2018.
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Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt walks on the field during the first Vol football practice of the spring season at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt introduces the football staff and the year's new signees during a Signing Day celebration at the Tennessee Theatre on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.
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Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt speaks to reporters during media day for the national championship game on Saturday in Atlanta. Pruitt was hired as Tennessee's coach on Dec. 7 but is finishing his duties with Alabama.
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University of Tennessee Athletic Director Phillip Fulmer, left, introduces Jeremy Pruitt during his introduction ceremony as Tennessee's next head football coach at the Neyland Stadium Peyton Manning Locker Room in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Newcomers (2)

Outlook

Tennessee’s linebacking corps probably features the most talent of any layer of its defense. Bituli, Kirkland and Sapp were all highly touted prospects when they signed with Tennessee.

Bituli was one of the few defensive players who shined in the opener against Georgia Tech, when he made 23 tackles. But Bituli never seemed to mesh with former defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, who favored Colton Jumper’s knack for organizing the defense. A change in staff could serve Bituli well. So could pairing with Kirkland within a 3-4.

Sapp appears a good bet to grab a starting job. He moved into the starting lineup in Week 4 last season and made double-digit tackles in four games.

Tennessee’s defense was fairly ineffective last season, but with the return of Kirkland and addition of Peterson — the nation’s No. 3-rated outside linebacker in the 247Sports composite — and Allen, a junior college transfer, this shapes up as an improved unit.

One prediction

This staff will find a way to get Smith on the field. He was in line to start at strongside linebacker last season until a knee injury sidelined him for half the year. The junior has made just three career tackles. If the Vols commit to a 3-4, that’ll create playing time for more linebackers than were needed last season, when UT played mostly nickel. Smith might be an option to garner some snaps at Jack linebacker (outside LB who specializes in pass rushing).

One to watch

In junior college, Allen was a rush end who played a lot of snaps from the stand-up position near the line of scrimmage, but he also lined up with his hand in the dirt. He profiles as a Jack linebacker in Pruitt’s 3-4 and might offer a needed pass rusher for a Tennessee team that had just 22 sacks last season. He’s an early enrollee with three years of eligibility remaining.

Biggest question

Is there a run stuffer on this roster?

The Vols need a linebacker to emerge as a reliable run stopper, someone who’s around the ball play after play — someone like A.J. Johnson. Bituli and Kirkland seem like guys who can be that, but they haven’t proven it.